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enStates Show Promising Practices on Leading for Equityhttp://ccsso.org/blog/states-show-promising-practices-leading-equity
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">States Show Promising Practices on Leading for Equity</span>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><span><strong><span>Washington, D.C. (FEBRUARY 16, 2018)</span></strong><span> ––<em> </em>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program and America’s Promise Alliance today released a new publication showing promising practices in states to ensure educational equity for all students. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>One year ago, CCSSO and the Aspen Education & Society Program joined together to published </span><span><span><span><a href="http://www.ccsso.org/equity"><em><span><span><span>Leading for Equity: Opportunities for State Education Chiefs</span></span></span></em></a></span></span></span><span>. States have made significant progress against the 10 commitments outlined in <em>Leading for Equity</em> and the publication released today, <em><a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/states-leading-equity-promising-practices-advancing-equity-commitments">States Leading for Equity: Promising Practices Advancing the Equity Commitments</a>, </em>shares promising state practices. </span></span></p>
<p><span><em><span><a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/states-leading-equity-promising-practices-advancing-equity-commitments">States Leading for Equity: Promising Practices Advancing the Equity Commitments</a></span></em><span> provides a brief overview of practices and policies states are currently engaging in to provide a stronger education for students. It is intended to show positive examples of state action toward each of the 10 equity commitments as a milestone on this journey to share the progress states have made and recognize the difficult work remaining. State chiefs know that the journey towards equity is just beginning and this document marks a celebration of positive starts along that path. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>“I am proud to see state chiefs take the lead in renewing their commitment to equity and showing real progress to create a more equitable education system for every child,” said Carissa Miller, interim executive director of CCSSO. “State leaders have not let these commitments sit on a shelf, but instead, are working closely with stakeholders to address the challenges in our education system today.” </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>“Leading for equity is not easy,” said Ross Wiener, executive director, Education & Society Program, the Aspen Institute. “Progress is dependent on state leaders defining and pursuing equity. I deeply respect the leadership challenge CCSSO and individual state chiefs have embraced so publicly and proactively, and look forward to the progress Leading for Equity can contribute to our communities and our country.” </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>“Every young person deserves a life that rewards their dreams – a life of opportunity, unburdened by injustice,” said John Gomperts, president and chief executive officer, America’s Promise Alliance. “We recognize that real change for young people happens locally and achieving equity requires a sustained commitment. Leading for Equity can help us move closer to our ideals where equal opportunity is the defining promise of our country.” </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The publication was released during an event today in Washington D.C. with education leaders at the national, state and district levels discussing states’ progress on equity and looking ahead to the challenging work that remains. Event attendees engaged in a state case study discussion on how Pennsylvania has worked with stakeholders to advance equity and a conversation among state and national leaders on progress over the last year and how we can continue to work together to achieve success for every child. </span></span></p>
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<p><span><em><span>The Council of Chief State School Officers<strong> </strong>(CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span><em><span>The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners.</span></em></span></p>
<p><span><em><span><span>America’s Promise Alliance</span></span></em><em><span><span> leads an alliance of more than 450 organizations, communities, and individuals dedicated to making the promise of America real for every child. As its signature effort, the GradNation campaign mobilizes Americans to increase the on-time high school graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020 and prepare young people for postsecondary enrollment and the 21st-century workforce. For more information, visit </span></span></em><span><span><span><a href="http://www.americaspromise.org/press-release/www.AmericasPromise.org"><em><span><span><span><span>www.AmericasPromise.org</span></span></span></span></em></a></span></span></span><em><span><span>.</span></span></em></span></p>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-02-16T16:16:52+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Fri, 02/16/2018 - 11:16</span>
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Fri, 16 Feb 2018 16:16:52 +0000omeola3226 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Releases Statement on President’s FY19 Budget Requesthttp://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-releases-statement-presidents-fy19-budget-request
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Releases Statement on President’s FY19 Budget Request</span>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><span>Washington, DC (February 12, 2018) -- The Council of Chief State School Officers' (CCSSO) Interim Executive Director Carissa Miller today released the following statement on the President's FY19 budget request. </span></p>
<p><span><span>“The Administration’s budget proposes cuts that would undermine progress underway in states across the country to create more equitable education opportunities for every child. These programs support state and local educators in making sure all students graduate prepared for college, careers and life. Today, this funding is as important as ever as states work with stakeholders to implement the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to better meet the needs of all students, including the most vulnerable. </span></span></p>
<p>“Chiefs understand the importance of spending education dollars wisely and effectively at the state and federal levels. CCSSO is committed to working with Congress to shape appropriations legislation that reflects the priorities of state chiefs who are working to implement ESSA and serve all children in public schools across the country.” </p>
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<p>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</p></div>
<span rel="schema:author" class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang="" about="http://ccsso.org/user/49" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">omeola</span></span>
<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-02-12T19:48:48+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Mon, 02/12/2018 - 14:48</span>
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Mon, 12 Feb 2018 19:48:48 +0000omeola3120 at http://ccsso.org2018 Teachers of the Year to Convene for the First Time at Google HQ http://ccsso.org/blog/2018-teachers-year-convene-first-time-google-hq
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">2018 Teachers of the Year to Convene for the First Time at Google HQ </span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/2018-teachers-year-convene-first-time-google-hq"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-02/CCSSO_full_color.jpg?itok=wosmOHuC" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p dir="ltr">Sunnyvale, CA (February 1, 2018) –– Google “teacher,” and you learn that a teacher is “a person who helps others to acquire knowledge, competences or values.” This will bring on a whole new meaning this week when some of the best teachers from across the country descend on Google’s headquarters in Sunnyvale, California.</p>
<p>Each year, through the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program, CCSSO establishes a cohort of Teachers of the Year from every state and territory. This annual Induction Meeting marks the first time the 2018 State Teachers of the Year will meet as a cohort and begin their program year together focused on developing their skills and knowledge as teacher leaders.</p>
<p>CCSSO’s NTOY Program has partnered this year with Google for Education to host the event, during which, the teachers will engage with leaders from Google, NTOY Program partners, and other thought leaders to discuss their individual leadership and the future of education. The meeting will also provide the group with professional development sessions, school visits, and training opportunities.</p>
<p>Coming out of the Induction Meeting, the 2018 class will gain a better understanding of education policy and history, expand their learning network and pedagogical skills, be able to develop their “story” to share with a broader audience, and understand what it means to be a State Teacher of the Year and the role of CCSSO in their journey.</p>
<p>“Each year the NTOY Program brings together the best teachers across the country, and helps them increase their impact in their classrooms and their communities,” said CCSSO Interim Executive Director Carissa Miller. “We are thankful to partners like Google for Education who support CCSSO and the NTOY Program to help these teachers impact the lives of students across the nation.”</p>
<p>The Induction Meeting is one of five face-to-face opportunities the 2018 State Teachers of the Year will have throughout their program year, and the first time it has been hosted on Google’s campus.</p>
<p>Google is committed to supporting students, partnering with teachers, building products and making impactful investments that break down barriers to learning and help more people—especially those in underserved communities—benefit from the promise of technology, in the classroom and beyond.</p>
<p>"We're thrilled to host the National Teacher of the Year program on our campus, and are grateful for the opportunity to listen to - and learn from - teachers from across the country," said Miriam Schneider, a Google spokesperson. "Their hard work inspires us, and their input is invaluable in shaping what we do."</p>
<p>Each year since 1952, the NTOY Program brings together State Teachers of the Year from all 50 states, D.C., the Department of Defense Education Activities, and the U.S. territories to participate in one-of-a-kind professional learning opportunities designed to hone communications skills, expand knowledge of education policy, and grow teaching and learning practices. The goal of this programming is to elevate the voices of teachers and ensure that teachers are leaders in state and national policy conversations. </p>
<p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/national-teacher-of-the-year">http://www.ccsso.org/national-teacher-of-the-year</a> or follow along on social media at #NTOY18.</p>
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<p><strong>About CCSSO</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>About Google for Education</strong></p>
<p>Google is committed to directing our resources — our products, programs, philanthropy and people — toward making education accessible for everyone. Technology alone won’t improve education, but we believe it can be a powerful part of the solution, and we want to help ensure that all teachers and students are able to benefit from it. So we’ll continue working toward a future where every student has access to the skills they’ll need and the quality education they deserve. For more information about our work in education, visit <a href="https://edu.google.com/">edu.google.com</a> and follow along on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/GoogleForEdu">@GoogleForEdu</a>.</p></div>
<span rel="schema:author" class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang="" about="http://ccsso.org/user/50" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">jestes</span></span>
<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-02-01T19:48:02+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Thu, 02/01/2018 - 14:48</span>
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Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:48:02 +0000jestes2903 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Board President Testifies on the Importance of Data, Research and Privacyhttp://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-board-president-testifies-importance-data-research-and-privacy
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Board President Testifies on the Importance of Data, Research and Privacy</span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-board-president-testifies-importance-data-research-and-privacy"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-01/CCSSO_full_color_1.jpg?itok=i6Bb6rdw" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p>Washington, D.C. (January 30, 2018)<strong> </strong>– CCSSO Board President and Mississippi Superintendent Carey Wright is testifying before the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee this morning on the importance of data and evidence-based research. The hearing will focus on <span>“</span>Protecting Privacy, Promoting Policy: Evidence-Based Policymaking and the Future of Education” and is streamed live online <span><a href="https://edworkforce.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=402409">here</a></span>.</p>
<p>“Mississippi has built a strong foundation for its public education system that includes rigorous academic standards for all students, aligned assessments to evaluate student achievement and an accountability model that clearly measures the performance of our schools and districts. We use data and evidence-based research in every part of our work because we know that high-quality data is necessary to provide the insights and understanding education leaders need to make the best decisions for students,” Dr. Wright said in her prepared testimony.</p>
<p><span>In her testimony, Dr. Wright also will stress the importance of ensuring the safety and security of data.</span></p>
<p><span>Download Dr. Wright’s full written remarks <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/USHouseHearingDataResearchPrivacyCareyWrightTestimony01302018.pdf"><span>here</span></a>. </span></p>
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<p>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</p></div>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-01-30T15:12:29+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Tue, 01/30/2018 - 10:12</span>
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Tue, 30 Jan 2018 15:12:29 +0000jestes2255 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Seeks Applicants for New Executive Directorhttp://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-seeks-applicants-new-executive-director
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Seeks Applicants for New Executive Director</span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-seeks-applicants-new-executive-director"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-01/CCSSOExecutiveDirectorJobDescription01172017_Page_1_1.jpg?itok=ScGZfD-S" width="480" height="156" alt="CCSSO Executive Director and Logo " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><span><span><strong>Washington, D.C. (January 17, 2018)</strong> – The Board of Directors for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) today announced it is seeking applicants for its next executive director. The Board posted a job description for the position on the organization’s website at <a href="www.ccsso.org/careers/current-openings">www.ccsso.org/careers/current-openings</a>. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>After nearly five years as executive director, Chris Minnich announced in October that he was stepping down. His last day at CCSSO was January 12. Carissa Miller is currently serving as CCSSO’s interim executive director. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>CCSSO's Board, which manages the overall business affairs of the Council and is the governing body of the organization, states in the job description that it seeks a mission-driven leader committed to educational equity and one possessing an unwavering belief that every child can succeed. The full job description and additional information are available online here.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Those interested in the position should submit applications, including a cover letter and resume, electronically by Friday, February 16. All questions about the position or application process should be sent Leslie Nair at <a href="ccssoed@promise54.org">ccssoed@promise54.org</a>. </span></span></p>
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<p><span><span>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</span></span></p></div>
<span rel="schema:author" class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang="" about="http://ccsso.org/user/43" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">mmcgrath</span></span>
<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-01-17T21:09:33+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Wed, 01/17/2018 - 16:09</span>
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Wed, 17 Jan 2018 21:09:33 +0000mmcgrath2000 at http://ccsso.orgESSA Plans Advance Work for Young Learnershttp://ccsso.org/blog/essa-plans-advance-work-young-learners
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">ESSA Plans Advance Work for Young Learners</span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/essa-plans-advance-work-young-learners"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-01/CCSSO_full_color.jpg?itok=uwtJt1Cv" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><strong>Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2018) –</strong> States are leveraging flexibility under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to lead for their young learners, a new review finds.</p>
<p>A recently published report by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO), indicates considerable investment in young learners across the state plans. <a href="https://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/policy-brief-state-early-learning-essa-plans-and-opportunities-implementation"><em>The State of Early Learning in ESSA: Plans and Opportunities for Implementation</em></a><em> </em>highlights three areas where the plans included early learning strategies:</p>
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<p><span><span><span>Plans that set clear goals and priorities for early learning;</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><span>Strategies that integrated early learning into school improvement; and</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><span>Approaches to support early educator development.</span></span></span></p>
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</ul><p>“State chiefs are committed to providing an equitable education to every child,” said Carissa Miller, interim executive director of CCSSO. “<span>The Council is supporting states to improve access to high-quality learning, including the time before children reach third grade.”</span></p>
<p><span>State plans show widespread inclusion of early learning in state priorities, while a few states even integrated early learning as a top policy priority throughout the state’s plans.</span></p>
<p><span>This review highlights examples in state ESSA plans, including in Delaware, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Tennessee reorganized to elevate the office responsible for implementing the strategic goal of significantly improving reading proficiency by third grade. It offers a comprehensive professional development and coaching system to improve reading instruction in the lower grades. </span></p>
<p><span>Oklahoma’s approach extends to early childhood providers who prepare children for kindergarten. Through strong and diverse public-private partnerships with early care providers and the universities, the education department is trying to reach the youngest learners before they enter kindergarten. </span></p>
<p><span>Both Delaware and New Mexico are using multiple data tools to track and improve early performance. </span></p>
<p><span>A state to watch is Mississippi. Its plan is building on strong philanthropic support to create an early childhood education infrastructure that improves the conditions for accessing quality learning opportunities. State Superintendent of Education Carey Wright has made high quality early education a priority during her term as CCSSO Board President. </span></p>
<p><span>For more state plan examples, <a href="https://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/ESSA%20Early%20Learning%20Policy%20Brief-ver3_0.pdf">read the full report here</a>. </span></p>
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<p><em><span>The Council of Chief State School Officers<strong> </strong>(CCSSO)</span></em><em><span> is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</span></em></p></div>
<span rel="schema:author" class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span lang="" about="http://ccsso.org/user/49" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">omeola</span></span>
<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-01-12T18:29:46+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Fri, 01/12/2018 - 13:29</span>
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Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:29:46 +0000omeola1993 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Announces Four Finalists for 2018 National Teacher of the Year http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-announces-four-finalists-for-2018-national-teacher-of-the-year
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Announces Four Finalists for 2018 National Teacher of the Year </span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-announces-four-finalists-for-2018-national-teacher-of-the-year"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2018-01/CCSSO_NROY_2018_finalists-SocialMedia-1_0.png?itok=z1pYOSaF" width="318" height="480" alt="image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><strong><span><span>Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2018)</span></span></strong><span><span> –– Four teachers with diverse styles and subjects have been selected as finalists for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>One is an American Sign Language teacher who takes her students beyond the classroom and reinforces that every voice has value. One is an elementary educator who uses project-based learning in her STEM curriculum to cultivate curiosity in her students. Another is an elementary art teacher who used a community painting project to demonstrate the power of the visual arts to engage, communicate, and bring people together. Another nominee is often the first teacher who the refugee and immigrant students in her classroom have once they arrive in the U.S. She uses experiential projects to help her students process trauma and learn about their new community. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>One of these finalists will be named the 2018 National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) this spring, and will spend the next year traveling the country to represent educators and advocate on behalf of teachers and students. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The National Teacher of the Year program, run by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), identifies exceptional teachers nationwide, celebrates their effective work in and outside of the classroom, amplifies their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national levels. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Every year, exemplary teachers from each state, the U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity are selected as State Teachers of the Year. From that group, a national selection committee representing 14 renowned education and community organizations, which collectively represent millions of educators, selects four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. The National Teacher of the Year is then selected from the four finalists after rigorous in-person interviews with the selection committee.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Upon selecting the four finalists, the NTOY selection committee released the following statement:</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>“The four finalists for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year stand at the intersection of policy, advocacy and practice. They exemplify the highest levels of teaching, innovation, and leadership, and have demonstrated a commitment to students and public education. These State Teachers of the Year capture the spirit and passion of America’s teachers. Any of them would do an outstanding job as the profession’s ambassador.”</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Each year, since 1952, the President of the United States has recognized the National Teacher of the Year in a White House ceremony in the spring.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The 2018 National Teacher of the Year finalists are (in alphabetical order):</span></span></p>
<p><strong><span><span>Amy T. Andersen, 2018 New Jersey Teacher of the Year</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>Amy T. Andersen believes that a nurturing classroom fosters academic achievement. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Amy started her career in Boston as a teacher of the deaf for eight years and she promoted strength in diversity. She celebrated students' differences by organizing field trips to various schools in Boston where her students presented to hearing children about American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture. In 2004, Amy moved to New Jersey and began the American Sign Language program at Ocean City High School with 42 hearing students. Enrollment jumped to 138 students and today, she teaches ASL 1, ASL 2 and ASL 3 Honors. In 2015, her program was highlighted on an Emmy-award winning program when her students’ ASL anti-bullying video went viral.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Amy, a National Board Certified Teacher, takes students beyond the classroom by arranging paint nights with world-renowned deaf artists and signing opportunities with the National Association of the Deaf. She reinforces that every voice has value and it's our human right to communicate. Amy shows her students that diversity enriches all of our lives, and Ocean City is now known throughout the deaf community as a "deaf-friendly" town in South Jersey. Her students discover that differences should be celebrated, which leads many of Amy's students to careers in deaf education or ASL interpreting. Her students have even interpreted for former First Lady Michelle Obama and Madonna.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>To read Amy’s National Teacher of the Year Application, <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/ntoy/NJ_Andersen_Application.pdf">click here</a>. </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span><span>Kara Ball, 2018 Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher of the Year</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>As a cultivator of curiosity, Kara Ball uses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and project-based learning to transform her elementary students into the leaders of tomorrow. Each year Kara brings sharks into her classroom and her students conduct a shark dissection. She also organizes a school wide Cardboard Arcade where students use the engineering design process (EDP) to work in teams to imagine the possibilities of a single cardboard box. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Currently teaching military-connected students at Camp Lejeune for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Kara has also taught multi-age, special education, STEM, and advanced mathematics. She also has experience teaching in communities with large homeless and English as a Second Language (ESL) populations. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Kara is a National Board Certified Teacher who has served as a Mentor Teacher for eight years, District STEM coordinator, and U.S Naval Academy SET Sail STEM Team Leader. She is a member of DoDEA’s Strategic Planning Committee and her school’s Continuous School Improvement Team. In 2013 she was the recipient of the Shirley J. Lowrie Award from Montgomery County Public Schools, Md., honoring an exemplary elementary education teacher. In 2016, she was DoDEA’s finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>To read Kara’s National Teacher of the Year Application, <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/ntoy/DoDEA_Ball_Application.pdf">click here</a>.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span><span>Jonathan Juravich, 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>Taking advantage of seemingly small moments to make a big impact for others is the cornerstone of Jonathan Juravich’s professional and personal conviction. Jonathan is an award winning artist and art educator at Liberty Tree Elementary in Powell, Ohio. In his 13th year in the classroom, Jonathan, known as Mr. J, challenges students to make the world a better place through art. In his work as an artist, coach, and educational leader, he hopes to do the same. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Jonathan is the Building Environment Team leader at Liberty Tree - overseeing school culture, partnerships, and service learning. As the district Elementary Visual Art Department Chair, he facilitates professional development, advances curriculum, and advocates for arts education best practices. Coaching middle school cross-country and track gives him opportunities to continue making connections with students and families well after they have left his classroom. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Jonathan reaches out to the community locally and statewide by developing art programs with the Columbus Zoo, the Columbus Arts Festival, the Ohio Association for the Developmentally Disabled and the Ohio Art Education Association. He mentors future art educators as an adjunct instructor at Otterbein University, his alma mater. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>To read Jonathan’s National Teacher of the Year Application, <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/ntoy/OH_Juravich_Application.pdf">click here</a>.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span><span>Mandy Manning, 2018 Washington Teacher of the Year</span></span></strong></p>
<p><span><span>Mandy Manning teaches English and math to refugee and immigrant students in the Newcomer Center at Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington, where she is her students' first teacher once they arrive in the U.S. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Mandy began her career as a teacher in the Peace Corps in Armenia. She has also taught in Japan and in schools across the U.S. This global perspective infuses her classroom. Mandy uses experiential projects like map-making to help her students process trauma, celebrate their home countries and culture, and learn about their new community. Mandy has hosted more than 160 teaching candidates in the Newcomer Center. Many teach their first lesson in the Center. For others, the Center is their intercultural field experience. Mandy aims to expose as many future teachers, colleagues, and community members as possible to the diverse environment of the Center. District leaders, school board members, and legislators are regular visitors to her classroom. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>As a National Board Certified Teacher, Mandy is an ambassador and mentor to her colleagues and is known for her collaborative style and determination to bring marginalized voices into decision-making. Mandy lead a diverse committee in re-evaluating her school’s discipline plan and adopting an evidence-based behavioral intervention plan that enhanced academic and social behavior outcomes for all students. This effort resulted in a 74 percent decrease in suspensions in the first year. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>To read Mandy’s National Teacher of the Year Application, <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/sites/default/files/ntoy/WA_Manning_Application.pdf">click here</a>.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><span>###</span></span></p>
<p><em><span><span>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</span></span></em></p></div>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2018-01-04T17:21:50+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Thu, 01/04/2018 - 12:21</span>
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Thu, 04 Jan 2018 17:21:50 +0000jestes1985 at http://ccsso.orgNew Resources Offer Guidance to States on Advancing Equity through Personalized Learninghttp://ccsso.org/blog/new-resources-offer-guidance-states-advancing-equity-through-personalized-learning
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">New Resources Offer Guidance to States on Advancing Equity through Personalized Learning</span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/new-resources-offer-guidance-states-advancing-equity-through-personalized-learning"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2017-12/CCSSO_full_color.jpg?itok=AlLNEJZF" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><strong>Washington, D.C. (December 13, 2017)</strong> – As state chiefs across the country work to advance equity for all students, policymakers can leverage personalized learning in policy and practice to better meet the needs of all students. Today, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and New Profit’s Reimagine Learning Fund in partnership with the America Forward coalition are jointly releasing a suite of resources that outline examples of how states can work to ensure personalized learning is achieving educational equity in the classroom.</p>
<p>For two years, CCSSO’s Innovation Lab Network worked with New Profit’s Reimagine Learning Fund and the America Forward coalition to develop several resources intended for state and local policymakers interested in advancing equity through personalized, deeper learning. <strong>Advancing Equity through Personalized Learning,</strong> a suite of new resources from CCSSO and New Profit, includes a <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/advancing-equity-through-personalized-learning-equity-and-personalized-learning ">review of current literature and research</a>, <a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/advancing-equity-through-personalized-learning-policy-brief ">key policy considerations</a>, and to-be-released case studies that highlight promising practices at the school and district levels to close opportunity and achievement gaps.</p>
<p>“Ensuring every student has equitable education opportunities is critical work, and it comes down to making sure every single student has access to what they need to be successful,” said Chris Minnich, executive director of CCSSO. “These resources offer valuable considerations for state leaders as they work to advance equity and continue to innovate within the education system to improve learning for all kids.”</p>
<p>CCSSO previously released <em><a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library/leading-equity-opportunities-state-education-chiefs-0">Leading for Equity: Opportunities for State Chiefs</a>, </em>which details 10 commitments state chiefs can explore to ensure equity across the education system. These new resources build on the Leading for Equity commitments to specifically support states in CCSSO’s Innovation Lab Network (ILN), as well as other states, that are committed to transforming their systems to improve student-centered approaches to learning.</p>
<p>State agencies can use <strong>Advancing Equity through Personalized Learning</strong> as a reference in adopting and refining policies and practices to ensure access to personalized learning for students who have been historically underserved, such as English Learners, students with disabilities, students of color, students living in poverty, and students impacted by trauma.</p>
<p>Sarah Groh of America Forward shared the following reflections on the partnership with CCSSO: <span><span>"Reimagine Learning and America Forward are grateful to partner with CCSSO on this work. We heard from many chiefs and leaders that there was a critical need to sift through emerging research on personalized learning with a focus on equity. We hope this resource continues a critical conversation about equity in education. We know that there's a major shift in authority and autonomy back to the state and local level happening in education right now. That offers us a significant opportunity for local innovation and community solutions. It also means that we need to work together to ensure students who face barriers to learning aren't sidelined due to capacity challenges. It's up to us as local partners to work hand in hand with SEA and LEA leaders to build on the promise of all means all and find ways to deliver on a commitment to equity day in and day out.”</span></span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ccsso.org/resource-library"><span><span>Please find the resources here.</span></span></a><span> </span></p>
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<p>###</p>
<p><strong>America Forward</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.americaforward.org/our-coalition/about-our-coalition/"><span>The America Forward Coalition</span></a> is a network of more than 70 innovative, impact-oriented organizations that foster innovation, identify more efficient and effective solutions, reward results, and catalyze cross-sector partnerships in education, early childhood, workforce development, youth development, and poverty alleviation. Our Coalition members are achieving measurable outcomes in more than 14,500 communities across the country every day, touching the lives of nearly 8 million Americans each year. We believe that innovative policy approaches can transform these local results into national change and propel all of America forward.</p>
<p><strong>New Profit’s Reimagine Learning Fund</strong></p>
<p>Reimagine Learning exists to put the diverse needs of our most vulnerable K-12 students at the center of the national dialogue about the future of learning in the U.S. We support communities and schools to create teaching and learning environments that unleash creativity and potential in all students – including and especially those who have been systematically underserved – enabling them to realize academic and life success. Reimagine Learning is a five-year, $35M fund launched in 2013 by New Profit and a set of funder and practitioner partners focused on spreading practices that support the success of the most vulnerable students. Reimagine Learning has grown into a cross-sector network of over 500 education leaders focused on transforming the understanding of learners that drives the design of schools and school systems.</p>
<p><strong>The Council of Chief State School Officers </strong></p>
<p>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</p>
<p>The Innovation Lab Network (ILN) is a CCSSO multistate collaborate that supports state education agencies support and scale locally-led, innovative practices in teaching and learning. The purpose of the ILN is to transform public education systems with the intention of meeting the needs of every student and giving them the tools they need to be successful in college, career, and life.</p></div>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-12-13T15:36:15+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Wed, 12/13/2017 - 10:36</span>
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Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:36:15 +0000omeola1900 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Announces Nebraska Chief Joins Board of Directors http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-announces-nebraska-chief-joins-board-directors
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Announces Nebraska Chief Joins Board of Directors </span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-announces-nebraska-chief-joins-board-directors"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2017-12/CCSSO_full_color_1.jpg?itok=ji-8Ayw0" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><strong><span><span>Washington, D.C. (December 11, 2017)</span></span></strong><span><span> ––<em> </em>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) today announced that Nebraska Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt joined its Board of Directors. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>CCSSO's Board of Directors manages the overall business affairs of the Council and is the governing body of the organization. The Board is composed of the president, the president-elect, the past president, and six directors elected by the members from the CCSSO membership. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>"It is a great honor to be appointed to the CCSSO Board of Directors. CCSSO has done a great deal to help shape the landscape of the nation's educational system,” said Blomstedt. “I look forward to bringing Nebraska's perspective to the Board to ensure every student has an equitable opportunity for learning, earning and living.”</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>“Commissioner <span>Blomstedt is committed to providing an equitable education to the students of Nebraska and his dedication to ensuring opportunities for all students will be an asset on CCSSO’s Board,” said CCSSO Deputy Executive Director Carissa Miller. "I look forward to working with him." </span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The following is a list of CCSSO's 2017-2018 Board of Directors: </span></span></p>
<ul><li>P<span><span>resident: Carey Wright, Mississippi</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>President-Elect: </span><span>Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>President Pro Tempore: </span><span>Brenda </span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>Cassellius, Minnesota</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board Member: Jillian Balow, Wyoming</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board member: Matthew Blomstedt, Nebraska</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board Member: </span><span>Steve Canavero, Nevada</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board Member: Candice McQueen, Tennessee</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board Member: Stephen Pruitt, Kentucky</span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Board Member: Tony Smith, Illinois</span></span></li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p><span>###</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><span>The Council of Chief State School Officers<strong> </strong>(CCSSO)</span></em><em><span> is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</span></em></p>
<p> </p></div>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-12-11T19:31:56+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Mon, 12/11/2017 - 14:31</span>
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Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:31:56 +0000omeola1895 at http://ccsso.orgCCSSO Releases Statement on Missouri Chief http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-releases-statement-missouri-chief
<span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">CCSSO Releases Statement on Missouri Chief </span>
<div class="field fieldName-field-image fieldType-image fieldLabel-hidden field-item"> <a href="http://ccsso.org/blog/ccsso-releases-statement-missouri-chief"><img property="schema:image" src="http://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2017-12/CCSSO_full_color_0.jpg?itok=hdV4BXpz" width="480" height="256" alt="CCSSO logo" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-large" /></a>
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<div property="schema:text" class="clearfix text-formatted field fieldName-body fieldType-text-with-summary fieldLabel-hidden field-item"><p><strong>Washington, D.C. (Dec. 1, 2017)</strong> – Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Executive Director Chris Minnich released the following statement about Missouri Commissioner and CCSSO Board Member Margie Vandeven.</p>
<p>“Commissioner Vandeven has been a champion for Missouri’s children and a tireless advocate for improving education, including how we prepare future classroom teachers and meet the needs of our most vulnerable students. Her leadership will be missed at the state and national levels. As a nonpartisan organization, CCSSO strives to work across partisan lines to do what is best for the students of this country. It is unfortunate Commissioner Vandeven’s service was cut short in this fashion. We hope to support Missouri’s next state chief to build on the progress underway in Missouri today and remain focused on achieving successful outcomes for all kids across their state.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p># # #</p>
<p>The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.</p>
<p> </p></div>
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<span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-12-01T20:29:01+00:00" class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Fri, 12/01/2017 - 15:29</span>
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Fri, 01 Dec 2017 20:29:01 +0000omeola1871 at http://ccsso.org